"Broken Yet Blessed: A Memoir of Survival, Strength, and New Beginnings" is a deeply personal and powerful journey through the author's past, present, and envisioned future. Carla Reid faced complex challenges from an early age. Her story, one of resilience and courage, spans experiences of abuse, rape and mistreatment, to a triumphant tale of overcoming adversity. Seeking a fresh start and an escape from her abuser, she moved to a different state to build a new life for her daughter and herself, leading her to become not only a multi-degree college graduate and successful business owner, but also a student pilot and valued member of her community.
Carla's memoir is not just a recounting of the trials she faced. It is a testament to her strength, her ability to transform pain into power, and her unwavering commitment to forging a path filled with hope and fulfillment. Her story stands as a beacon of inspiration for all readers, each chapter carrying wisdom nuggets to help others overcome their own challenges, and Scripture to back it up. This book is a vivid reminder of the unyielding resilience that we, as a people, hold within us. It is a testament to the power of determination and love that flows through our veins.
Reid, Carla: - Carla Reid is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She and her daughter moved to Georgia July 15, 1993, and she has been rebuilding her life and thriving there ever since. With a strong emphasis on learning and growing, Carla has an expansive educational background. She attended Keystone Job Corps for cement finishing in 1987. She earned four associate degrees: one in accounting from Sawyer Business Institute in 1989, one in business from Duffs Business Institute in 1990, and one in criminal justice and business from Southern Crescent Technical College in 2014. Ever learning, Carla received a bachelor's degree in business from Clayton State University in 2019 and is currently working on a master's in entrepreneurship from Louisiana State University. Along with her degrees, Carla earned certificates in ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theology and Potter's House School of Ministry.Carla has used her strong business acumen to open successful businesses, alongside her husband of nearly 30 years. Together, they own Reid's Auto Repair and Emissions in Jonesboro, Georgia, and are former owners of Reid's Auto Sales and a mobile mechanic business. For nearly three decades, they have embarked on their entrepreneurial journey together. It was a natural career choice since Carla began working on cars at a young age, thanks to her brother who taught her the trade.With a penchant for paying it forward, Carla volunteers for Sisters Empowerment in Riverdale, Georgia, Ahimsa House crisis line in Newnan, Georgia, and Gentiva Hospice (veteran to veteran) also in Newnan. Carla also supports the community through a partnership with Clayton County schools where teachers receive free emissions one day per week, families pay a discounted price for emissions, and students of the month have an opportunity to earn gift cards for academic achievement. She also distributes school supplies to teachers and sponsors children for Christmas.An active member of Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church in Griffin, Georgia, Carla is currently the president of the Pastor's Aide Ministry. She has held several other positions there in the past, from administrator to choir member.One of Carla's interests is health and fitness. One of her more exhilarating hobbies, though, is flying. A student pilot, Carla's interest in aviation stems from her father, who was a sergeant in the Air Force and one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Carla's grit and determination, coupled with her faith in God, have allowed her to overcome many obstacles in life and have opened many doors, especially in roads less traveled by women. But, her greatest accomplishment is being a devoted wife and a loving mother and grandmother.
